Now that I finally have everything I need, the last step is to transfer my camas bulbs and buttercup to the larger planter that will stay on my balcony through the winter.
Following the advice of the staff at Saanich Native Plants, I planted the bulbs about 10 cm. down from the surface, giving lots of space underneath. Apparently, the camas roots love to grow deeply in the soil, so hopefully they have enough room. I planted the buttercup alongside. I was also worried about frost, but the staff in Saanich assured me that camas plants are tough and will survive the winter no problem.
Lastly, as an addition to our family, my wife had to give the plants names. I suggested ‘Rocky Bulb-boa’ for the camas and my wife mistakenly (and hilariously) called the buttercup a “butternut”, and so here we are…welcome to the family ‘Butternuts’!
Well, that’s pretty much all I can do for now. The next steps of my project will take a few months to reach so I’ll periodically check in and document any changes that I notice. In the meantime, we’ll let nature do its thing and hopefully we’ll have some beautifully blooming camas come spring!
I just tuned into your project – it’s amazing! What a neat, local, interesting idea. I’ll be interested to hear about the harvesting and eating phase.
Thanks Mary!
I’m actually pretty excited about it myself. The only problem is now there’s not much I can do until spring when the camas blooms. I’ll keep posting any developments through the winter. I’m totally curious about the eating part as well, lol. I hear camas is a ‘unique’ taste and I think it takes like 2 days to boil it properly. I have to find a recipe. Really appreciate your comment!